Initial start-up after overhaul or major repair

1 Make a final check to ensure that everything has been reconnected to the engine and that no rags or tools have been left in the engine bay.

2 Check that oil and coolant levels are correct.

3 Start the engine. This may take a little longer than usual as fuel is pumped up to the engine.

4 Check that the oil pressure light goes out when the engine starts.

5 Run the engine at a fast tickover and check for leaks of oil, fuel or coolant. Also check power steering and transmission fluid cooler unions, where applicable. Some smoke and odd smells may be experienced as assembly lubricant burns off the exhaust manifold and other components.

6 Bring the engine to normal operating temperature, then check the ignition timing and the idle speed (where applicable) and mixture.

7 If splined type cylinder head bolts have been used, stop the engine after it has been running for 15 minutes, then remove the crankshaft cover and tighten the cylinder head bolts to the fourth stage given in the Specifications, in the correct order.

8 When the engine has completely cooled, re-check the oil and coolant levels, and check, and if necessary adjust, the valve clearances.

9 If new bearings, pistons etc have been fitted, the engine should be run-in at reduced speeds and loads for the first 500 miles (800 km) or so. It is beneficial to change the engine oil and filter after this mileage.

DOHC engine

The 2.0 litre DOHC (Double OverHead Camshaft) engine was introduced in August1989 to replace the 2.0 litre SOHC engine used previously in the Sierra range. The engine is of four-cylinder, in-line type. The crankshaft incorporates five main bearings. Thrustwashers are fitted to the centre main bearing in order to control crankshaft endfloat.

    See also:

    Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 The sensor is screwed into the cylinder block below the inlet manifold. 2 Disconnect the battery negative lead. 3 Drain the cooling system as described in Chapter 1. 4 Disconnect the s ...

    Exhaust system check (Every 12 000 miles or 12 months)
    With the vehicle raised on a hoist or supported on axle stands (see “Jacking and Vehicle Support”), check the exhaust system for signs of leaks, corrosion or damage and check the rubber mountings ...

    Fuel tank - removal and refitting
    The procedure is as described in Part A of this Chapter for carburettor engines. ...